Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey Mr. Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu paid a working visit to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) on 14 January 2015. On this occasion, Foreign Minister H.E. Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu met Mr. Derviş Eroğlu, President of the TRNC, Ms. Sibel Siber, Speaker of the Republican Assembly, Mr. Özkan Yorgancıoğlu, Prime Minister of the TRNC and Mr. Özdil Nami, Foreign Minister of the TRNC.

During the visit that took place at the same time as the third year comomeration of the passing away of Rauf Denktaş, the Founding President of the TRNC and the commemoration of Dr. Fazıl Küçük, Freedom Struggle Leader, Foreign Minister Çavuşoğlu was received by the President Derviş Eroğlu.

Speaking at the joint press conference held after the meetings, Foreign Minister Çavuşoğlu said that they took the opportunity to discuss the developments regarding the resolution of the Cyprus Conflict as well as the existing close cooperation.

Expressing that the just and permanent resolution of the Cyprus issue is one of the priorities of Turkish foreign policy, Foreign Minister stated that Turkey’s joint efforts with the TRNC will continue and Turkey will continue to support all consistent, goal-oriented, well intentioned approaches and United Nations initiatives.

Emphasizing that TRNC demonstrates the required political will for the negotiations to conclude at the earliest possible time frame, he said that the Turkish Cypriot efforts are not sufficient for the solution as Greek Cypriot Administration (GCA) must also demonstrate a sincere effort towards this end.

Stating that the GCA ignores the suggestions of TRNC regarding the natural resources in the Eastern Mediterranean and expanding her unilateral activities, Foreign Minister reiterated “It is not possible for Turkey to stand still while the Greek Cypriots continue their unilateral activities without taking Turkish Cypriots’ legitimate rights and interests into account.”

TRNC President Eroğlu stated in the press conference “It is a principle for us to review every issue with Turkey as she is both the Motherland and a Guarantor country.”